Uses:

  • Elemental mercur. Elemental mercury is used in thermometers, barometers, and pressure-sensing devices. It is also used in batteries, lamps, industrial processes, refining, lubrication oils, and dental amalgams.
  • Inorganic Mercury Inorganic mercury was used in the past in laxatives, skin-lightening creams and soaps, and in latex paint. In 1990, EPA canceled registration for all interior paints that contained mercury. Mercury use in exterior paint was discontinued after 1991. Although most agricultural and pharmaceutical uses of inorganic mercury have been discontinued in the United States, mercuric chloride is still used as a disinfectant and pesticide.

Compounds: Inorganic mercury compounds include; mercuric chloride, mercuric sulfide, mercurous chloride. Organic mercury compounds include; mercuric acetate, methylmercuric chloride, dimethyl mercury, and phenylmercuric acetate.


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